Low Tech AT

As a learning centre teacher, sometimes it can be a challenge to get administration on board with your plans for programming. This challenge is multiplied when the programming items you require, the equipment to promote access to curriculum, and the sensory tools are all ridiculously over-priced. I must have gotten easily 15 different AT catalogues stuffed into my mailbox this year. I would sit and flip through when I had a chance and dream of all the possibilities for snoezelen rooms and inclusive classrooms. It got to a point where I didn't even open them up anymore because the prices on the items were so shocking! I made one purchase actually from an AT company - and that was a visual timer. It was made of extremely light weight and cheap plastic. One very quiet beep sounded when the time ran out (at first I thought it was broken, then I realized it was just really quiet) and this cost me $56 and change. I felt the need to protect it for fear it would break! Seeing all the low tech possibilities out there was amazing! It would not take much convincing to get an administrator on board to help with Dollarama purchases! Some seem so innovated and clever while also being so inexpensive and easy! I particularly enjoyed Nick's squeegee adaptations, the stuffed puppy filled with sand, and the visual schedule on the book bag. So clever! Our trip to Dollarama also proved successful. Once we are in the AT frame of mind, it was easy to spot all sorts low tech AT. We found we had to put a lot of our ideas back on the shelf because we had more than were necessary; but on several occasions one of us would say, "I am coming back for that for my learning centre".

Our first invention was for holding cards. The plates are glued together and the pipe insulator is used to create a grip for the student. The pipe insulator could be used for any number of things to make the environment more accessible to an individual who may not have a strong grip or who has poor fine motor skills.

Next we simply used a "hook and loop strap" that come in a package of 6 from the Dollarama and made a loop to tighten a brush to a student's hand so that he/she can independently brush their hair. This can be used with any object for students again who do not have the strength or ability to grasp an item. The hook and loop strap also seemed to have endless uses and possibilities for any classroom.


The next item is simply a pouch on a lanyard that can be put around the student's neck for easy access to items such as eye glasses, additional AT that is used regularly, a AAC device, to increase independence. Having it with them always and being able to get it themselves will decrease the reliance on the "middle man" that often develops; no longer having to ask for something or have things passed to them.

OFF THE SHELF AT

Many students struggle with pouring liquids. Whether it is due to sensory deprivation, poor depth perception, or a motor imbalance, this simple addition of a control spout for pouring is easy and affordable.


Light beams are useful for those students who don't like to speak up in class or those students who are unable to speak up in class. Four finger light beams for $1. Students can have fun answering questions by shining a light to the correct answer on the board. This is also a very inclusive low tech AT device, because who wouldn't want to play with them?!


This slicing aid is another great off the shelf device.
It gives the student a handle to grip, rather than a vegetable that may be difficult to keep a hold of or that may bruise if held too tightly. Having slots in which to put the knife allows knife control for the student while also teaching him or her about an appropriate width to slice most vegetables and fruit.


This glove for washing allows a student who may struggle with the task of washing dishes an accessible way to meet this challenge - I wouldn't want to complete a task analysis of this task! With all the steps and necessary abilities, having a washing glove increases the likelihood of student success with the task. We want our students to learn skills of cleanliness and skills for the kitchen, and washing dishes is a daily living skill that often gets taught in learning centres and schools. This glove has a more secure grip for those students who might struggle with holding onto a wet and soapy dish. They also don't need to grip with that hand if they are unable to, they simple need to be able to move the glove on the dish surface. $2 at the Dollarama and it increases task success and accessibility.

All of these and the hundreds of more options for programming and low tech AT is very encouraging. It is nice to think that as a new learning centre teacher, I can make learning accessible without having to ask the administration for lots of money or high tech resources.